Response from IDSA President Barbara Alexander MD, MHS, FIDSA, to FDA EUA of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: We Must Seize the Opportunity for Swift and Equitable Access that this Advance Offers

 

The emergency use authorization of a third vaccine against COVID-19 in the United States today, just over a year since the virus was identified, demonstrates extraordinary scientific commitment and progress. The availability of another safe and effective vaccine that requires only one dose and that can be stored with only basic refrigeration opens new opportunities for delivery and expanded access for millions of people. We ask Congress to swiftly pass the COVID-19 rescue bill with the funding that is urgently needed to support accelerated and equitable vaccine access and to ensure we are able to capitalize on the opportunity before us.